Chelsea cruised to victory against Stoke in a game that was over as a contest within 23 minutes.

Struggling Stoke – missing five defenders and fielding two teenagers at full-back – trailed within three minutes when Antonio Rudiger headed home Willian’s free-kick.

The Blues, who rested Eden Hazard, doubled their lead when Danny Drinkwater fired home on the bounce from 25 yards out, and Pedro added a third from just outside the box with only a quarter of the game gone.

Stoke striker Mame Biram Diouf had a goal harshly ruled out after using his upper arm to control a long ball before smashing home.

Rudiger rose highest to head an early opener from Willian’s set piece, before Pedro’s deflected cross found Drinkwater to smash home his first Chelsea goal.

Willian then picked out Pedro to score a third.

The second half lacked any competitive edge and Conte was able to bring off N’Golo Kante, Alvaro Morata – who missed two relatively straightforward chances – and Victor Moses to keep them fresh for Wednesday. Chelsea 5-0 Stoke

Willian scored a penalty after he had been fouled by Geoff Cameron, and Zappacosta scored his first Premier League goal from just outside the box late on.

Sorry Stoke thrashed again

Stoke boss Mark Hughes is under pressure and a heavy defeat against his old club will not have helped. The Potters, who are two points above the relegation zone, have now conceded five goals or more in three Premier League games this season. Chelsea 5-0 Stoke

In truth, circumstances and tactical decisions meant a positive result against the champions never appeared likely.

Stoke had four defenders out injured, and Kurt Zouma was ineligible to play against his old club. Stoke had only ever started teenagers in five Premier League games, but Josh Tymon and Thomas Edwards both faced the Blues. Chelsea 5-0 Stoke